Headache pain can range from annoyance to serious

Headaches, unfortunately, are a part of life for many people. For most, it’s an occasional annoyance. For some, it’s a debilitating condition.

The National Headache Foundation identifies four types of headaches: tension, migraine, cluster and secondary. Tension headaches are most common, experienced by nearly 80 percent of people at some point. Their frequency ranges from occasional to chronic.

Secondary headaches are caused by other issues, such as a viral infection or other illness.

Cluster headaches are severe headaches, usually on one side of the head, that can last from several minutes to several hours. They typically occur at the same time of day each time they develop and may recur daily for up to several months, then disappear for a year or more. Men are more likely to have them. Smoking and alcohol consumption can trigger episodes.

Migraines are “the most common headache that brings people to the doctor,” said Pueblo neurologist Gary Cohen. “It’s more than a headache. It’s a real medical problem, a disease of the brain itself.”

People with migraines almost always suffer from nausea and sensitivity to light, sound and motion, Cohen said. Some will have an aura — a visual abnormality (seeing dots, flashing lights, blind spots) that precedes the headache. Migraines typically last at least four hours and sometimes several days.

“It’s a headache that bounces back and keeps hitting you,” said Cohen. “It prevents you from doing your usual activities.”

Prescription medications may be required to combat migraines. Cohen said the most important thing is to get the headaches properly diagnosed so treatment will be effective.

A doctor visit isn’t required for every pain in your head. Taking over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for occasional headaches is fine — and effective.

However, taking those medications every day (or close to it) will cause analgesic rebound: a headache that results from medicine overuse.

“The worst thing you can do is take pain pills all the time,” said Cohen. “A lot of people in Europe and America just go to pain pills and never really get better at all.”

How can we minimize headaches? Some preventive measures include quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, managing stress, getting plenty of sleep and eating healthier.

Avoid foods and food additives that can bring on headaches. Tyramine, an amino acid, can spark headaches in some people. It’s found in red wine, aged cheeses, deli meats (which also have nitrates, another possible trigger), nuts and some other foods. Caffeine and MSG are other possible triggers.

“Some people do well just changing their lifestyle,” said Cohen. “Just be aware of things and what may cause your headaches.”